New Orleans Saints: First Round Targets In The 2022 NFL Draft

What If The Saints Stay Put?

If the New Orleans Saints made this move to not trade up, it would be a bit shocking. However, that move up doesn’t mean that they guarantee a loss of both first round picks. They could lose, say, 16 and 49 and still keep 19. So what are the options there?

Trevor Penning/Bernhard Raimann

If the move up is for receiver, then offensive tackle is the move with the second first-rounder. Trevor Penning and Bernhard Raimann have the athleticism to play the position, but need refinement. Penning plays a nasty brand of football, but he gives up his chest a lot and can lose against rushers with better placement and explosion to power. Raimann is a converted tight end, but does lunge a lot at the contact point and has waist-bending issue. Still, upside is likely worth it for them.

Treylon Burks

“Draft big and explosive players” should be an adage for many teams in the draft. Treylon Burks fits that mold. A winner against press with physicality and sped, Burks can win down the field and be a nightmare after the catch. His coverage ID, stems, and the mental part of playing receiver needs work, but coach him up and form a great duo with Thomas.

Wild Cards

Here’s the deal. We aren’t always right. The aforementioned players are great, but who knows? Teams surprise us! The New Orleans Saints could be no different in that regard. So what players fit here? Jahan Dotson is one who could surprise, with the straight line speed and reliable hands, not to mention the ability to expand the strike zone for quarterbacks. Skyy Moore is another guy with great releases whose first round buzz is forming. Tyler Smith is young, tough, and athletic at tackle. Then there’s quarterback, where Kenny Pickett could be the pick if available.